Drew Pierce - Pickleball Rookie

Nice Guys Finish Last: My Pickleball Etiquette Epiphany

January 30, 2024 by Drew Pierce

Last night, it was business as usual at my “Advanced Intermediate to Advanced” pickleball league–until it wasn’t.

I was winning a doubles match 8-1.

I hit a wicked hard slice shot from just in front of the baseline.

The ball took a crazy turn and started to gravitate towards my opponent’s head. He just got his paddle up in time and hit a errant ball that sailed into the benches.

He wasn’t happy.

“Hey, I have to go to work tomorrow.”

I apologized.

“Never my intention to hurt anyone.”

We continued play, and I resorted to much softer tactics.

You can probably guess what happens next.

I lost the match 11-9.

On the drive home I was pissed at myself.

After almost two years of playing the sport, I still don’t know how to keep my pedal to the metal; I’m billing myself The Empathetic Pickleballer.

But that doesn’t show up in the box score.

Australian Doubles Pickleball: The Exciting Odd-Numbered Game

January 2, 2024 by Drew Pierce

“Let’s play cutthroat,” said the dude in the high socks, neon sneakers and Fila pickleball visor.

“Uh, sure,” I replied.

I then braced for impact. Was this dude gonna charge at me?

It was at this moment I was introduced to Australian Doubles, also known as Cutthroat, a popular pickleball variation that is perfect when you only have three players. The innovative game keeps everyone engaged when you are short one player and brings out players’ competitive sides. Learn how it works and why you should add it to your next pickleball outing.

When Your Pickleball Tournament Does Not Go As Expected

December 21, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Approaching Nassau Coliseum to play the Rip It Winter Invitational Pickleball Tournament felt like something special.

And then I entered the building, and reality set in.

I walked through a metal detector.

Was shown the makeshift concrete courts in the basement.

Endured start-time delays.

Not to mention the crazy distracting fire alarm that went off mid-match.

Let’s just say it was a learning experience. 🙂

2024 Pickleball Rule Changes Explained

December 20, 2023 by Drew Pierce

USA Pickleball has released its 2024 official rulebook, and there are several notable changes we want our fellow players to be aware of. Do we dig all of the rule changes? Read on to find out!

8 Lessons From a Year on the Pickleball Court

December 7, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Deep into my second year of playing pickleball, I proudly report that I have not experienced a sophomore slump! However, some lessons took longer to sink in than I would have hoped. Today, I share those with you, hoping you learn from my stubbornness and evolve your game quicker than I did.

Pickleball Exercises to Play Better for Longer

December 4, 2023 by Drew Pierce

As pickleball’s popularity has exploded, so have injuries, mainly caused by repetitive motion, awkward positions, and quick lunges.

Personally, I have found the sport much easier on my body than tennis. But that doesn’t mean it’s not without it’s aches and pains. In fact, I have another browser tab opened right now wondering if I tore my rotator cuff. But that’s a conversation for another time!

If you play the sport regularly, you will want to have a dedicated cross-training regimen off of the pickleball court that is designed to enhance overall fitness to meet the sport’s physical demands.

Pickleball Is My “Third Place”

November 30, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball players tend to fall hard for the sport.

The path to addiction is so quick that friends and families are often caught off guard.

There’s a reason many of us often hear, “Pickleball, again?!”

And it’s not said in the nicest of tones.

Well, I’m not sure about you, but it occurred to me recently that pickleball is my “third place.”

My Secret Weapon for Better Pickleball – The Wrist Ball

November 29, 2023November 22, 2023 by Drew Pierce

I’ve been playing pickleball for nearly two years and I’m always on the lookout for something that can help me play better. I focus on serving well and moving quickly, especially near the net.

Recently, I found a great tool that’s really helped: the wrist ball.

19 Reasons to Be Thankful for Pickleball

November 29, 2023November 21, 2023 by Drew Pierce

As I hit my 20th month of playing pickleball, I reflect on why I am thankful for the sport. It has delivered a surprising amount of joy into my life as an amateur player and pro blogger. Never in a million years would I have guessed that pickleball would become such a big part of me. But here we are, and I look forward to continuing to play, always learning, and spreading the pickleball love.

Here are the reasons I am grateful for pickleball. Please add your thoughts in the comments section.